Easy Chicken Soup Recipe: 7 Ingredients, 25 Minutes

The easiest chicken soup recipe requires just 7 basic ingredients and 25 minutes: 1 lb chicken breasts, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 carrots, 1 celery stalk, 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 tsp dried herbs. Simmer chicken in broth until cooked through, shred, then add chopped vegetables and simmer until tender for comforting homemade soup with minimal effort.

When you're craving comfort food but short on time or cooking experience, easy chicken soup delivers the perfect solution. This streamlined recipe eliminates complicated techniques while preserving the soul-soothing qualities that make chicken soup a timeless favorite. Unlike store-bought versions packed with preservatives, this homemade chicken soup for beginners uses fresh ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why This Easy Chicken Soup Recipe Works

The secret to quick chicken soup that actually tastes homemade lies in strategic simplification. By using boneless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken, you cut cooking time dramatically while still getting rich flavor. The vegetable trio of carrots, celery, and onion—known as mirepoix in culinary circles—creates depth without requiring specialty ingredients. This 30 minute chicken soup method proves you don't need hours of simmering to achieve satisfying results.

Simple Chicken Soup Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Prep Notes
Chicken breasts	1 lb (450g)	Trimmed of excess fat
Chicken broth	4 cups (32 fl oz)	Low-sodium preferred
Carrots	2 medium	Peeled and diced (1/4 inch)
Celery	1 stalk	Diced (1/4 inch)
Yellow onion	1 small	Diced (1/4 inch)
Garlic cloves	2	Minced
Dried herbs	1 tsp	Thyme or poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Easy Chicken Soup Instructions

1. Simmer the chicken: In a 4-quart pot, combine chicken breasts and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil vigorously). Cook for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
2. Shred the chicken: Remove chicken to a cutting board, let rest 2 minutes, then shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and herbs. Return to a simmer.
4. Cook vegetables: Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly firm.
5. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. For brighter flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice just before serving.

Time-Saving Tips for Effortless Chicken Soup

• Prep ahead: Chop vegetables the night before and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Use frozen vegetables: Substitute 2 cups frozen mirepoix (carrots, celery, onion blend) to eliminate chopping time.
• Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Use 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and simmer vegetables in broth for 10 minutes before adding chicken.
• One-pot method: Skip shredding by cutting chicken into 1-inch cubes before cooking—reduces total time to 20 minutes.

Variations for Different Dietary Needs

This basic chicken soup recipe adapts easily to various preferences:

• Gluten-free: Ensure your broth is certified gluten-free (most are, but check labels).
• Low-carb: Omit carrots and add sliced mushrooms and zucchini instead.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute vegetable broth and add 1 cup white beans for protein.
• Extra nutrition: Stir in 1 cup fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Proper Storage and Reheating

Your easy homemade chicken soup will stay fresh for 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags (lay flat to save space) for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore consistency, as the soup thickens when chilled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bland soup? Boost flavor with 1 teaspoon soy sauce or a Parmesan rind simmered with the vegetables.

Vegetables too mushy? Add them during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for more texture.

Soup too thin? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during the last minute of cooking.

Can I make easy chicken soup without celery?

Yes, you can substitute fennel bulb or a pinch of celery seed. Many traditional chicken soup recipes actually don't include celery, so you can simply omit it without significantly affecting the flavor profile.

How do I prevent chicken from becoming rubbery in soup?

To keep chicken tender, never boil it vigorously—maintain a gentle simmer. Remove chicken from broth as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C), as residual heat will continue cooking it. Shredding instead of cubing also helps maintain tenderness.

What's the fastest way to make chicken soup from scratch?

The quickest method uses diced chicken breast (cooks in 10 minutes instead of 15-18) and pre-chopped frozen vegetables. Total time from start to serving is approximately 20 minutes with this approach, making it the fastest truly homemade chicken soup possible.

Can I use water instead of broth for easy chicken soup?

Yes, but enhance the water with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and extra herbs to compensate for the missing depth. The soup won't be as rich as with quality broth, but it remains a viable option when broth isn't available.

How can I add more protein to this easy chicken soup recipe?

Stir in 1 cup cooked white beans, lentils, or chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a heartier version, add 2 beaten eggs slowly while stirring the hot soup to create egg ribbons, which adds both protein and visual appeal.